Thousands protest in France after death of immigrant fleeing police

7th April 2008, 0 comments

Thousands protested against the government's immigration policies in Paris following the death of a 29-year-old illegal immigrant.

PARIS, April 7, 2008 (AFP) - Thousands protested against the government'simmigration policies in Paris on Saturday following the death of a 29-year-oldillegal immigrant of Malian origin who jumped into a river to escape police. Organisers said between 15,000 and 20,000 people participated in the marchto the immigration ministry in the capital. Police put the number at 4,200. The man died on Friday after having jumped in the Marne river atJoinville-le-Pont east of Paris. Regional official Bernard Tomasini said hewas in the country illegally. He ran from police when they attempted to check his identity papers at acommuter train station. Officers chased him and he later jumped from a bridgeinto the river. French President Nicolas Sarkozy's tough line on immigration has come underharsh criticism. As interior minister in the previous right-wing government, Sarkozy oversawa tightening of immigration rules, setting an annual deportation quota of25,000 illegal immigrants -- a policy pursued under his presidency andfiercely contested by the left-wing opposition. Other protests were held in large French cities on Saturday.